Identification Required

[ammofo]

Hi all,
I picked up this casing measuring 26mm x 95mm.
It had a small 'insert' which may or may not belong with the case. It reminds me a little of a pistol flare case, but I'm not sure what to make of it as I don't recognise the head stamps markings. They read B at the top and VM at the bottom
Here are a couple of pictures to point you in the direction. I would really appreciate any help and any discussions that may arise.

Thanks

 

[TimG]

Ammofo,

1 inch Aiming Rifle, Electric.

See http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threads/53208-1-inch-aiming-rifle

TimG

 

[ammofo]

Thanks for that Tim. It certainly kept me busy for a while, though I will dig deeper when I get more time.
I take it the 'insert' is a red herring then ??

 

[2pounder]

1in Aiming rifle case MK V fitted with a Morris electric screw in primer made by Birmingham Metal and Munitions would have a cannalured lead bullet without a copper gas check and was approved for Land and Naval service from between 1904 and 1910 but B only supplied 1907/08 and 1909/10. from P Labbetts book british small arms ammunition 1864 - 1938.

 

[ammofo]

Thank you so much, that really is an astonishing amount of detail. Much more than I could have hoped for. I had presumed it was nearer to WW2 than WW1, so that really helps me out. Cheers

 

[greif]

Here some information (1905-1908) which might be of interest to you.

 

[AE501]

1 Inch Aiming rifle was still with us well into the 1950s. These photos and text were taken from the naval Handbook of Ammunition 1945 BR 932.
Still much he same but with changes in propellant.
I have also included a photo of the actual rifle taken in the 1880s, which has a Nordenfeldt cartridge in the breech showing that there was a transition phase before the lead bullet cartridge was produced.